AN investigation into a man's death following a drugs raid has found police officers acted correctly.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission's finding follows an inquest which recorded a verdict of accidental death on James Graham, 44, of Lansbury Park, Caerphilly.

He was taken ill after four police officers executed a warrant at his home last September.

During a post-mortem exmination a packet of heroin was found lodged in Mr Graham's throat.

The investigation found the officers and paramedics were unaware he had swallowed anything.

IPCC Commissioner for Wales Tom Davies said: "My condolences again go to Mr Graham’s family and friends for their loss.

"The officers who attended Mr Graham’s home to execute a warrant acted properly and took immediate action when they realised that Mr Graham was suffering difficulties with his breathing.

"The post-mortem found that he had swallowed a bag of heroin. The IPCC has investigated a number of deaths where the person has swallowed drugs to try and hide evidence and this is such an obviously dangerous practice.

"Police officers are not trained to make the sort of medical intervention that would be required to safely remove an obstruction, but do suffer the trauma of dealing with someone who then dies.

"Our investigation has established the officers responded quickly and effectively to the situation, working together under difficult conditions. There is no evidence to suggest there was anything the police officers could have done differently to have prevented this outcome.”